Selma was founded by Confederate Civil War Officer, Col. John W. Sharpe in 1887. He moved the Mitchener Station approximately one mile down the tracks and sold plots around the station. Just as in the 1800s, the railroad continues to play a major role in Selma; Amtrak is located in the historic train station in downtown. Selma is home to a variety of antique stores, JR Outlet and specialty shops like DeWayne's.